As first-time competitors at the national level, it was understandable for synchronized swimmers Leeza Polyakova and Meili Hobson to be a bit tense.

Polyakova and Hobson, who are both Sammamish residents, had to ignore their apprehension last month as part of the Seattle Synchronized Swim Team’s performance at the eSynchro Age Group Championships in Riverside, Calif.

It wasn’t an easy task. The girls are relatively new to the sport, having gotten involved within the past two years, and they were competing in front of several hundred people at the meet — easily the biggest crowd they’ve seen.

By Neil PiersonSammamish residents Leeza Polyakova (left) and Meili Hobson enjoyed their time at a national synchronized swimming meet last month.

Hobson, 11, who will enter the fifth grade this fall at Creekside Elementary School, felt a lot of nerves as she entered the pool at Riverside City College for the first time.